After much anticipation and a few delays, the opening date for Sydney Metro’s new City Section has finally been confirmed. The cutting-edge transport system, which promises to transform travel across the city, will open its doors on Monday, August 19, 2024. This section, running from Chatswood to Sydenham, extends the existing M1 metro line that currently runs between Tallawong and Chatswood. It’s time to savor those last few bus journeys before they become a thing of the past.
The long-awaited launch was delayed due to extensive safety testing, initially planned for August 4. However, final approval has now been granted by the national independent safety regulator, clearing the way for the line to begin welcoming passengers from Monday morning. Transport Minister Jo Haylen has called this central stretch of Sydney Metro
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“the biggest change to Sydney’s public transport system since the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.”
Be Among the First to Ride in Sydney Metro
If you’re eager to be one of the first passengers aboard Sydney’s newest transport marvel, you’ll need to set your alarm early. The first train will depart from Tallawong Station at 4:38 AM on Monday, with another setting off from Sydenham Station at 4:54 AM. This schedule will continue for the first four weeks, after which, starting in mid-September, services will commence even earlier at 4:08 AM from Tallawong Station.
New Stations, New Experiences
As the new driverless trains start running, their futuristic stations will also be ready to welcome the public. North Sydney’s Victoria Cross Station will boast a brand-new dining precinct, while the sleek new Martin Place superhub will feature 3,000 square meters of retail and dining outlets spread across three floors.
Speeding Through Sydney
The new metro system is designed to move Sydneysiders around the city faster than ever before. With 2,645 new metro services scheduled weekly, the system can handle up to 17,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak times. Some of the predicted journey times on the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line include:
- Castle Hill to Martin Place: 35 minutes
- Macquarie University to Central: 26 minutes
- Chatswood to Gadigal (new city station): 13 minutes
- Victoria Cross (North Sydney) to Barangaroo: 3 minutes
- Central to Martin Place: 4 minutes
- Central to Sydenham: 7 minutes
- Sydenham to Chatswood: 22 minutes
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What’s Next?
Following the City Section’s opening, the next major project will involve upgrading the line between Sydenham and Bankstown. This will include a temporary closure of the T3 Bankstown Line for up to 12 months, during which time trains will be replaced by buses and other active transport options.
For those looking to dive deeper into the details of Sydney Metro or to plan your journey, visit the Transport for NSW website.
